Giving Tree brightens the season for many area children

Many area businesses come together to assist families around the holiday season. First Bank is one of those organizations that have stepped up to ensure children in the community will enjoy the full effect of having gifts for the Christmas season.

Many area businesses come together to assist families around the holiday season. First Bank is one of those organizations that have stepped up to ensure children in the community will enjoy the full effect of having gifts for the Christmas season.

First Bank is now in its 20th year for the annual Giving Tree program. Coordinated by Kara Kessler of First Bank, the program provides gifts to area children that might otherwise not receive gifts for Christmas. The program began in the old Tresslar building on Main Street and eventually landed at the Floral Hall at the White County Fairgrounds six years ago.

"People in the community provide funding and gifts for our Giving Tree," said Kessler. "Pretty much everybody at the bank also helps out in some way. Once we get donations and items, we do all the shopping for the kids signed up for the program."

Kessler explained that kids are selected through recommendations from teachers in the area. Once a child has been identified to be a recipient of gifts, the child makes out a "wish list" of items they would like to receive. Items purchased for the kids include everything from clothing to toys to bicycles.

_"This year, we have 250 kids on the list," said Kessler. "Bicycles and electronics have been the most requested item from the kids. Each child gets at least one trash bag filled with gifts through the Giving Tree."

The Giving Tree handles a range of kids aged kindergarten through fifth grade. The kids also provide their clothing sizes so that gifts purchased for them will fit properly.

"Letters to kids go out right after Halloween," said Kessler. "We begin coordinating gifts and get all items separated and then offer one day for pickups by the parents."

This year's pickup day got underway a little earlier than planned due to the inclement weather coming into the area. By 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, nearly half of the items earmarked for kids in the area had already been claimed.

Those assisting with the distribution process of items include Marci Hoskins, Jane Davis, Kathy Whetstone and Larissa Hays.

In addition to the Giving Tree, Friends of the Library bring in gently used or new books free for all parents during the distribution process. Many tables are filled with books to be passed on to children and adults for the holiday season.

"We have all gifts separated into categories, from birth to adult," said Suellen Smith, member of Friends of the Library. "People donate new or gently used books to be given away. This is the fourth year we have included books during the Giving Tree distribution day. A few years ago, we added books for adults as well so we can accommodate all family members."

Page 2 of 2 - Other members of Friends of the Library assisting with the book donations included Eric Conner, Dee Ann Maurer, Barb Kearney, Lana Anselment and Mary McRoy.

Both Kessler and Smith repeated their appreciation to the community for their willingness to support both entities. Although the distribution of items has been completed, Kessler noted they are still accepting donations for the Giving Tree.

"We are still accepting donations for the Giving Tree," said Kessler. "We still have kids that need gifts, and what we don't use this year, we'll save for next year's event. We want to ensure everyone has a great Christmas."